Wiggles, the Children's Python

[Bogertophis]

My wife just called me. She was very upset. She can't do the laundry because Wiggles is in the laundry cart and she's afraid to move it.

Your wife is afraid of that little worm? Hey, at least he's FOUND!

[Homebody]

Your wife is afraid of that little worm? Hey, at least he's FOUND!

My son came to her rescue, so no need to fret. The laundry will get done.

[Homebody]

...Clearly I've been giving him too much freedom. When I find him, he's going to be so grounded.

On a serious note, I think I will scale back his activity sessions. Not because Wiggles did anything wrong, but because I can't handle them. I'm thinking one late night session a week. Late night to minimize distractions. I'll add more sessions as my supervisory skills improve.

[Bogertophis]

On a serious note, I think I will scale back his activity sessions. Not because Wiggles did anything wrong, but because I can't handle them. I'm thinking one late night session a week. Late night to minimize distractions. I'll add more sessions as my supervisory skills improve.

As long as you're not dozing off late night- been there, done that! Yeah, Wiggles was just being a snek!

Something to consider (& based on what I've seen with various different kinds of snakes I've kept over the years): Many snakes sit still as a form of camouflage from predators. As much as they get to know us, I think their instincts still tell them to "sit still" when we're watching them, & move off the moment we're no longer looking. Like I said, been there... I'm very glad he was found quickly & unharmed.

[Snagrio]

Glad you found him safe and sound!

I'm always paranoid about escapes and snakes getting out of my hands and getting to where I can't retrieve them, especially as I've gradually gone from a slow BP to a speedy VBB.

[Bogertophis]

Glad you found him safe and sound!

I'm always paranoid about escapes and snakes getting out of my hands and getting to where I can't retrieve them, especially as I've gradually gone from a slow BP to a speedy VBB.

You're absolutely right to stay vigilant. And skinny snakes fit in more places too- plus they climb better.

[Bogertophis]

@ Homebody- that's another thing Wiggles would like to play (climb) on- an empty laundry basket (as long as all the holes are a safe size- nothing he can get stuck in). And it seems he's already shown a propensity for doing laundry...

[Homebody]

Something to consider (& based on what I've seen with various different kinds of snakes I've kept over the years): Many snakes sit still as a form of camouflage from predators. As much as they get to know us, I think their instincts still tell them to "sit still" when we're watching them, & move off the moment we're no longer looking.

I can't tell you how many times I've lost Wiggles only to find him right in front of my face. He's not a chameleon! He's brown with a faint spotted pattern, but evolution has given him the ability to fit perfectly in the gaps in our perception making him, at times, effectively invisible. It's spooky.

[Bogertophis]

I can't tell you how many times I've lost Wiggles only to find him right in front of my face. He's not a chameleon! He's brown with a faint spotted pattern, but evolution has given him the ability to fit perfectly in the gaps in our perception making him, at times, effectively invisible. It's spooky.

Yes, my Spotted python has excellent camouflage for shadowy places too- darker green w/faint speckling ("granite phase"). Either way, their patterns help break up their overall body shape that we see. I hope he's at least a little contrite today? LOL

[Homebody]

I'm always paranoid about escapes and snakes getting out of my hands and getting to where I can't retrieve them, especially as I've gradually gone from a slow BP to a speedy VBB.

Yeah, I'm still adjusting from BP care to Children's care. I used to let my BP roam all. Because he was large and slow, I only had to keep a half eye on him. While my Children's is still slow, I find I need to keep two eyes on him. I admire your VBB and I'll follow closely its progression, but I don't envy your challenge in keeping up with it. When he's out, you may need to find a way to put a third eye on him.